Abstract: A centralized resource manager for distributed networks manages resources available on the network, such as network bandwidth, CPU allocation, TV tuners, MPEG encoders and decoders, disk bandwidth, and input/output devices. The centralized resource manager also allocates the resources of network clients and a network-associated media server, in response to requests for media services via the distributed network. The centralized resource manager may include means for discovering when devices are added or removed from the network; a current, IR, or electromagnetic field sensing system for determining when video devices are turned off so that resources associated with any device not in use may be reallocated elsewhere; or a power switching system for controlling the ON or OFF state of such devices so that resources associated with any device in the OFF state may be reallocated elsewhere.

Abstract: A Video Server (VS 100) encodes a video stream according to the values of parameters and transmits the video stream over a Network to a Video Client (VC 200) that decodes the received video stream for presentation to a user. As the video stream is being received, (VC 200 continually gathers data regarding at least the condition of Network sends this data to (VS 100). (VS 100) modifies the values of the parameters based on the data received from (VC 200), which in turn modifies the encoding of the video stream.

Abstract: In a cable return path system, a method for performing digital companding adds a predetermined offset to the digital value to be companded, and employs a modified &mgr;-law or a-law companding technique to obtain a reduced bit length digital value. One embodiment of this modified approach adds a predetermined offset (e.g., 129 for a 12-bit implementation) to the digital value before companding and then employs a two-bit chord and a 5-bit step for the 12-bit implementation. The end result is that the performance metrics are not significantly compromised by this bit reduction when compared to current transmission methods without this technique.

Abstract: A remote control unit can operate a server capable of transmitting contents data, and accept a recording medium. The remote control unit includes a controller for generating a control signal to control the server and the remote control unit, an operation section for switching an operating mode of the remote control unit, a transmitter/receiver operable to transmit the control signal generated by the controller to the server, and to receive the contents data from the server, and a recorder/reproducer. The recorder/reproducer is operable to accept the recording medium, record the contents data received by the transmitter/receiver into the recording medium, reproduce data from the recording medium, and output the data to the transmitter/receiver. According to the control signal generated by the controller based on the operating mode, the recorder/reproducer is operable to switch a function of the remote control unit between a drive belonging to the server and a drive independent from the server.

Abstract: A method for increasing channel utilization in a video broadcast system includes receiving, at a head-end, a request for a video program from one of a plurality of subscriber stations. Determining whether the requested video program is associated with a first subset of channels representing broadcasted channels having a first subscriber viewership level greater than a threshold level, a second subset of channels representing broadcasted channels having a second subscriber viewership level less than the threshold level, and a third subset of channels representing on-demand channels having a third subscriber viewership. The first subset of broadcast channels is substantially continuously transmitted. The second subset of broadcast channels is transmitted based upon channel availability and programming assignments.

Abstract: A sync generator (genlock) (10) for frequency and phase locking an incoming video signal to a system clock (12) includes a digitizer (16, 22) for digitizing the incoming video signal to yield a digitized color sub-carrier burst component. A numerically controlled oscillator (15) clocked by the system clock generates a phase lock reference signal for locking to the incoming video signal. Phase detection means logic unit (42, 74) sense a static phase offset magnitude from an ideal 90° phase offset between the digitized color sub-carrier burst component and the numerically controlled oscillator output signal. In accordance with the sensed static offset, a static phase error nulling circuit (70) generates a compensating offset in accordance for input to the system clock (27) to drive the static offset to zero, thus achieving frequency and phase locking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmitter identification system, which utilizes an identification signal embedded into a digital television signal, enabling the transmitter of origin to be identified at a receiving station. Ideally the identification signal is an orthogonal pseudo-random sequence time synchronized to the signal frame structure of the digital television signal. Particularly designed for single frequency networks, identification of the various transmitted signals enables the network to be tuned to eliminate or minimize multi-path effects at certain locations, which receive transmissions from various transmitters.

Abstract: A media control system comprises a memory accessible by a processor and a content manager stored in the memory and adapted to receive media content from a media source. The content manager is further adapted to automatically identify, from the received media content, primary media content for directing to a primary media device and ancillary media content for directing to an ancillary media device.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing electrical isolation between two ports prevents a potentially interfering signal input from one port from reaching the other port. A first circuit path passes a first signal in a first direction from a first port of the two ports to a second port of the two ports. A second path inverts the potentially interfering signal attempting to pass in a second direction opposite the first direction from the second port to the first port and adds the inverted signal to the potentially interfering signal at the first port to thereby cancel any affect the potentially interfering signal might have at the first port. According to one exemplary embodiment of the apparatus, the first circuit path includes two directional couplers—a first directional coupler coupled to the first port and a second directional coupler coupled to the second port. A delay line is coupled between the first and second directional couplers to match a time needed for a signal to pass through the second path.

Abstract: A system for delivering contents includes a center system which delivers the contents, a plurality of terminal systems which receive the contents from the center system and displays the contents, and communication lines connecting the center system to the plurality of terminal systems. The center system includes a delivery-schedule setting unit which sets a schedule of delivery, and a contents-delivery unit which delivers the contents to the terminal systems according to the schedule of delivery during a time period when a load on the terminal systems is lower than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A TV transmitter, a TV transmitting—method, a TV receiver and a TV receiving method allowing users to find and choose desired programs through the use of a program guide displayed by graphical user interface (GUI). The TV transmitter comprises a signal generation unit for generating text data signals associated with TV broadcast programs and hyper text data signals corresponding to the text data signals, a multiplexer for multiplexing the text data signals and the hyper text data signals onto video signals of the TV broadcast programs to provide a multiplexed TV broadcast signal, and an output unit for outputting the multiplexed TV broadcast signal provided by the multiplexer.

Abstract: A telecommunications system for providing telecommunication services to a plurality of users connected to a loop-through cable distribution architecture. The system includes a signal collection and transmission circuit or headend circuit for collecting and transmitting telecommunication signals to the user. In addition, the system comprises a signal distribution system or circuit operatively connected to the signal collection and transmission circuit for receiving and transmitting telecommunication signals therefrom and thereto. The system includes a user or customer interface device operatively connected to an associated signal distribution circuit for both receiving telecommunication signals from the associated signal distribution circuit and transmitting telecommunication signals to the associated signal distribution circuit. The signal distribution circuit is formed by a node having a plurality of output lines and a service module operatively connected to one of the node output lines.

Abstract: A wideband cable modem system increases available bandwidth of a single channel by encoding a data stream into wideband packets. The wideband packets are associated with a logical wideband channel that extends over multiple physical downstream cable channels.

Abstract: Certain embodiments for supporting communication of media may comprise establishing a private television channel to be showed by a first television at a first home and a second television at a second home. Personal media associated with the private television channel may be displayed along with content of a media broadcast on the first and/or second television. The personal media may be communicated over the private television channel between the televisions. An identifier associated with the first television and/or the second television may be determined and the private television channel may be established based one more identifiers. A representation of the private television channel may be presented in a channel guide displayed on the first television and/or the second television. A representation of the associated personal media for the private television channel may be presented in a media guide displayed on the first television and/or the second television.

Abstract: A method for servicing digital broadcasting, capable of defining a control message necessary for servicing digital broadcasting of a SD (Standard) level and a HD (High Definition) level through, a network of, for example, a x Digital Subscriber Line, by directly requesting, at a client, a digital broadcasting server for a session connection, and establishing a session by receiving a confirmation from the digital broadcasting server. Also, a channel change can be requested by directly requesting, at the client, the digital broadcasting server for a channel change, and changing a channel by receiving a confirmation from the digital broadcasting server. Other direct client-server requests and confirmations include a message for checking a status of the client and a session termination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method transmitting images of an on-line publication wherein images with appropriate resolution are automatically selected and transmitted to the client according to a response of the client, thereby largely increasing the transmission speed without interfering the client's reading of the publication.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data broadcasting contents authoring system which comprises: an authoring engine for modifying objects or images to fit to a data broadcasting format, and authoring new data broadcasting contents; a data converter for receiving the data broadcasting contents authored by the authoring engine, and converting the contents into a standard file format to fit to at least one data broadcasting standard; and a code generator for receiving the generated contents data from the authoring engine, and the converted contents data from the data converter, and converting them into a broadcasting contents format that fits at least one broadcasting standard. As described above, the present invention enables users to easily and quickly author desired data broadcasting contents using a WYSIWYG broadcasting contents development tool.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for enabling the creation and/or control of interactive television content using declarative-like directives such as HTML, scripting languages, or other languages. A a centrally located proxy server is configured to receive, transcode and convey transcoded web based content to client devices. Upon detecting directives which indicate particular resources required for a presentation are prerequisites, the proxy server conveys signals to a client device that these particular resources are prerequisites. In response to receiving the conveyed signals, the client device may take actions to prefetch these resources. The client device is further configured to prohibit initiation of the presentation until the prerequisite resources are acquired.

Abstract: This invention enables setting an RF output channel to a desired channel with a simple operation. A number key on a remote controller is depressed for long time of three seconds or more as an operation other than an ordinary operation for the number key. If a control portion detects a setting signal generated by thus depressing the number key for the long time, the control portion determines whether a channel corresponding to the operated number key is vacant. If the channel is vacant, the control portion sets the channel as the RF output channel. If the channel corresponding to the depressed number key is not vacant, a vacant channel is searched. If there is a vacant channel, the vacant channel is set as the RF output channel.

Abstract: Provided is a digital broadcast system that receives digital broadcast services on a passive optical network (PON). The data separator separates a signal input thereinto from the outside into an Ethernet frame for data service and an Ethernet frame for digital broadcast service. The Ethernet switch transmits the Ethernet frame for data service to an optical network terminal (ONT) provided in the user's home according to header information of the Ethernet frame for data service. The channel request processor receives the user's channel selection request information and user identification (ID) information from the ONT. The digital broadcast processor transmits the Ethernet frame for digital broadcast service, corresponding to the digital broadcast channel selected by the user, to the user's ONT, by using a part of bandwidth assigned for an existing line.

Abstract: In a television broadcast content distributing system, a plurality of television broadcast content distributing servers generate television broadcast contents, and a plurality of television broadcast content receiving terminals receive the television broadcast contents. Also, a first channel allocating switch is connected to the television broadcast content distributing servers to allocate channels to the television broadcast content distributing servers, respectively. On the other hand, a plurality of second channel allocating switches are provided. Each of the second allocating switches is connected to one or more of the television broadcast content receiving terminals, to thereby allocate one or more of the channels to the one or more of the television broadcast content receiving terminals. Further, a plurality of virtual local area networks are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for managing multimedia display content in a communication network is disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may support the selection, scheduling, and delivery of media from a set top box at a first location to a multimedia display at a second location, using a communication network. The selection and scheduling may be performed via a user interface having at least one view comprising a representation of at least one media channel. The media delivered may comprise at least one of audio, a still picture, video, real time video, and data. The multimedia display may comprise a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, “electronic paper”, or a light emitting diode (LED) display. The multimedia display may be communicatively coupled to a set top box at the second location via a wireless link, and may comprise at least one sensor for detecting conditions such as, for example, the movement of a viewer. The display may change if the sensor detects the condition.

Abstract: A system and method supporting the communication of indication of activity in a communication network are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may permit a first user to send an activity indication to a pre-defined group of other users, to enable members of the group of other users to engage in additional media exchange activities with the first user. The activity indication sent to the other users may comprise information descriptive of the media consumption activity of the first user. A user of an embodiment of the present invention may define a set of conditions in which received activity indications result in a notification of the user. Notification of the user may comprise displaying a graphical image, generating a sound, or lighting an indicator on a set top box.

Abstract: A multimedia service data transmitting method is disclosed. A logical channel indicator is added in service data mapped to a shared channel so that a terminal can discriminate a type of the service data transmitted through the shared channel. The logical channel indicator is a target channel type field (TCTF) and included in a header of the service data (MAC protocol unit).

Abstract: A system supporting a common user interface for the consumption of media is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a set top box and a personal computer may have user interfaces that are substantially the same, providing users of such systems substantially the same look and feel in exchanging and consuming media. The media in such an embodiment may comprise audio, still images, video, real time video, and data. In addition, a media peripheral may also have a user interface supporting the exchange and consumption of media, and the user interface may be substantially the same interface as that of a set top box or a personal computer, having substantially the same look and feel.

Abstract: A system supporting the remote management of options related to media consumption in a media exchange network is disclosed. Such a system may comprise a set top box communicatively coupled to a television display and storage. The set top box may be used for the consumption of media via a communication network. In such an embodiment, server software may enable the remote modification, via a communication network, of options related to the consumption of media by a user of the set top box. The media consumed may be one or more of digital audio, a digital still image, digital video, and digital data. Other aspects of the present invention may be seen in a personal computer monitor and personal computer circuitry, communicatively coupled to a storage and a communication network. An embodiment of the present invention may also enable the modification of TV viewing options via a telephone voice response system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the delivery of media to authorized vehicles are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may support the delivery of selected audio, still images, video, real time video, and data to a vehicle system. The media may be selected via a user interface comprising graphical representations of the media available for delivery. Example vehicle systems comprise navigation systems, video systems, music systems, and entertainment systems. In addition, the vehicle system may be communicatively coupled to a media peripheral including, for example, a digital camera, digital camcorder, or personal computer, to support the delivery of media to the media peripheral. Authorization information in the form of a digital certificate may enable the secure delivery of media.

Abstract: A system and methods for communicating activity information to support user interaction during media broadcasts in a media exchange network are disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a first user may associate a second user with particular media characteristics. Media characteristics may comprise, for example, subject and title keywords, a media channel type, a mode, a genre, an artist, a time period, and a language. The second user may be notified when the first user consumes media having pre-defined characteristics matching those associated with the second user. The second user may keep records of the consumption of media with particular media characteristics, and may provide services or incentives to the first user. A system in accordance with various aspects of the present invention may comprise a first and a second set top box, each having storage with an associated network address.

Abstract: A digital cable network architecture and services method includes a cable medium and a plurality of hosts that include a receiver. A policy file store contains policy files having at least one of a service provider section, a consumer section, and a manufacturer section that can be updated by at least one of the service provider, a consumer and a receiver manufacturer, respectively. A service provider that is associated with the policy file store provides digital cable services over the cable medium to the hosts and downloads monitor applications and policy files to the hosts over the cable medium. The MAs use the service provider section, the consumer section, and/or the manufacturer section of the policy file to alter resource contention, alter service provisioning at levels below a channel level, and/or alter fraudulent receiver identification calculations.

Abstract: A digital broadcast signal distribution system includes subscriber terminals each of which includes a distribution plan storage for retaining channel distribution plans, one representing distribution setting information of each of the plural distribution centers; a distribution center discriminating section for discriminating the one distribution center that has created a digital broadcast distribution signal received in the subscriber terminal; and a receiving section for changing, if the one distribution center is discriminated not to be a predetermined distribution center, NIT information of the first-named digital broadcast distribution signal based on the channel distribution plans of the one distribution center and the predetermined distribution center, and receiving the digital broadcast distribution signal. Whereupon the system can always distribute a good digital broadcast distribution signal and can be constructed at a low cost.

Abstract: An interactive television commerce system, includes a video broadcast distribution network having multiple in-band channels and an out-of-band data path. A video on demand server stores a plurality of product video clips. Each of the plurality of product video clips is stored in association with a respective unique clip identifier and has video images promoting a specific product and associated interactive data embedded in the video images. A commerce transfer point server broadcast, via a first of the multiple in-band channels, a first commerce related video program having video images promoting multiple different products and associated interactive data embedded in the video images, and the unique clip identifiers associated with those of the stored plurality of product video clips having video images promoting the multiple different products promoted in the video images of the first commerce related video program.

Abstract: When transmission of on-demand video data interrupts transmission of broadcast video data from a distribution server 17 to a user terminal 18, the distribution server 17 transmits substitute I frame data to the terminal 18 after on-demand video data transmission in complete and before resuming broadcast video data transmission. The user terminal 18 decodes and displays the substitute I frame data, and then uses the decoded substitute I frame data as a reference frame to decode and display the first several frames of broadcast video data received directly after resumption of transmission.

Abstract: An audio/visual distribution system includes head end equipment for receiving a radio frequency audio-visual (A/V) signal from an information source, and a plurality of transmitters and receivers. The transmitters are coupled to the head end equipment and tune to any of a plurality of RF channels, convert the RF signal to a baseband A/V signal and transmit the baseband signal over twisted pair cabling for a distance of up to 2000 feet. The receivers receive the baseband signal and reconvert the baseband signal to an RF signal. The transmitters utilize differential drivers which receive voltages from a filtered split supply power source in order to drive the baseband signals over twisted pairs. The receivers include equalizers utilized in conjunction with the video signal, and differential amplifiers. The receivers generate NTSC baseband (stereo) audio and video signals and/or an RF signal.

Abstract: Signal processing under attenuated transmission conditions. Within an orthogonal signal space, the number of orthogonal signals that are used to transmit information from a transmitter to a receiver is reduced and the transmitted power of each of the now remaining orthogonal signals is modified; this may involve increasing the power of all of the remaining orthogonal signals equally or alternatively modifying them individually. The same modulation used before the reduction may also be used afterwards; within communication systems having multiple transmitter-receiver paths, this will ensure that the communication system's throughput and efficiency will remain unchanged even when one (or more) transmitter-receiver paths are highly attenuated. In addition, robust mode operation is provided for ranging and registering of transmitter devices when entering the communication system.

Abstract: A cable distribution system with distributed architecture that can accommodate both digital and analog subscribers. Each home has at least one Room Interface Unit (RIU), one for each television. There is a local service module associated with a group of RIUs (e.g., one for every ten RIUs). There is also a local headend in the vicinity. The local headend has a block of integrated tuner/receiver/decoders that can be controlled to tune in a selected video channel. The selected video channels and a group of standard channels are multiplexed and sent to the local service modules where a group of programmable converters (one for each RIU) place the channel selected by its corresponding RIU at a predetermined frequency. Each of the RIUs associated with a particular local service module receive the corresponding channel. Depending upon whether the subscriber has subscribed to digital or analog service, they will have either a digital or an analog RIU.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining a plurality of CATV channel signals at the head end of a CATV distribution system including a first plurality of band-pass filters each having an input for receiving a separate predetermined channel signal and an output, the output of the band-pass filters being directly connected to one another, a second plurality of band-pass filters, each having an input for receiving a separate predetermined channel signal and an output, the output of the band-pass filters being directly connected to one another, and a combiner for combining the channel signals from the first plurality with the channel signals from the second plurality.

Abstract: The present invention verifies the transmission of a data stream, such as an advertisement, to a receiver in a data network, such as a television set in a cable television network. In particular, the present invention develops and stores a data stream fingerprint prior to transmission of the data stream. During transmission of the data stream, a verifier compiles the fingerprint from the transmitted data stream and compares it to the pre-developed and stored fingerprint. If the fingerprint signal characteristics are within predetermined parameters, the transmission is considered successful.

Abstract: A user terminal exchanges information with a server through a transmission medium. A coupling unit couples the user terminal to the transmission medium in accordance with information from the server. Likewise, the server is controlled in accordance with information from the user terminal. In this manner, communication is created and performed between the server and the user terminal. The user terminal may be a Set-Top Unit which may be adjusted to the transmission medium by, for example, a physical medium converter or the communication itself between the Set-Top Unit and the server may be adjusted as directed by programs installed in the Set-Top Unit which may originate from the server.

Abstract: A broadcast transmitting apparatus stores and manages the material for composing a broadcast program as AV data, creates storing control information showing a process control method when storing this AV data in a broadcast receiving apparatus, and storing management information showing management information during storing, and registers them as reference information and stores and manages, and transmits according to schedule information managing the schedule of the broadcast program. On the other hand, the broadcast receiving apparatus executes an storing control command according to the storing control information, and stores and manages the AV data according to the storing management information. Further, the broadcast transmitting apparatus creates application information from the reference information being stored and managed, and transmits it together with service application for executing broadcast program service.

Abstract: There is provided a video geographic information system for supplying the geographic information, which is maximized in a sense of reality, in a dynamic environment without a pre-processing for camera information and video stream, the system comprising a video server to load a video stream stored in a database and to transmit out of the video server through a network; a Geo server to load camera information stored in the database if image information and video frame information are input from the outside through a network, to retrieve geographic information stored in the database, to process the retrieved geographic information corresponding to a user request of queries and analysis, and to transmit the processed geographic information out of the Geo server through a network; a video player to receive a video stream from the video server through a network, to output the video stream, and to output image information and video frame information corresponding to a user request of selection, queries, analysis for

Abstract: A video/audio system includes an interface device that receives a plurality of audio and video signals from a plurality of sources. The interface device combines these signals into various combinations and transmits the combinations to a receiver. The receiver is configured to interface one of the combinations of signals with a user. In this regard, the receiver allows the user to select one of the combinations, and in response, the receiver separates the video signal(s) of the selected combination from the audio signal(s) of the selected combination. Then, the receiver renders the video signal(s) via a display device and produces a sound defined by the audio signal(s) via a speaker. Accordingly, the user is able to control which set of audio and video signals are interfaced with the user.

Abstract: A data broadcast program control system is made up of a transmission apparatus for repeatedly transmitting a plurality of data elements that constitute a data broadcast program, and a broadcast apparatus for receiving and broadcasting the plurality of data elements. The transmission apparatus generates control information for instructing the broadcast apparatus to perform change processing on the constitution of the data broadcast program, and transmits the control information to the broadcast apparatus. The broadcast apparatus receives the control information, and performs the change processing on the constitution of the data broadcast program according to the control information. The broadcast apparatus broadcasts the data broadcast program whose constitution has been changed.

Abstract: A method for automatically searching a cable TV band is disclosed to effectively perform a cable TV band searching in a TV or a set-top box which is available for receiving a ground wave broadcast signal. The method includes the steps of: detecting a cable TV band for a channel of a VHF frequency band; and detecting a cable TV band for a channel of a frequency band a ground TV does not use in order to confirm whether the detected cable TV band is accurate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplexing a plurality of channels within a multimedia system includes processing that begins by receiving a plurality of channels from a multimedia source. The processing then continues by receiving a plurality of channel selection commands from client modules. The processing continues by selecting a channel of the plurality of channels for each of the channel selection commands to produce selected channels. As such, for each channel selection command, a corresponding channel is selected from the plurality of channels. The processing continues by encoding the selected channels based on a data conveyance protocol (e.g., encoding scheme and/or modulation scheme). The encoded channel data is then conveyed to a plurality of clients.

Abstract: A server or proxy server transmits streaming video data. An identification is made of either: an average or minimum available bandwidth of a link over which a data stream of a given video segment is to be transmitted or a capability of a recipient host to which the data stream is to be transmitted. A selection is made of either: a corresponding one of a plurality of predetermined ranges of bandwidths so that the selected range contains the identified average minimum available bandwidth; or a corresponding one of a plurality of different data stream types so that the identified capability of the recipient host is used to process data of the selected data stream type. The data stream is coded in a manner which takes advantage of the range of bandwidths or type of data stream that has been or is to be selected. The coded data stream is transmitted over the link to a recipient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital broadcasting transmission system which includes: a plurality of single program encoders for encoding and multiplexing respective single programs constituted with video/audio/data signals; a PSIP generator for generating PSIP that provides detailed information on video/audio/data broadcasting programs to be multiplexed in the single program encoders; a multiple program multiplexer for multiplexing digital broadcasting stream transmitted from the signal program encoders and the PSIP transmitted from the PSIP generator; and a transmission unit for transmitting digital broadcasting signals multiplexed in the multiple program multiplexer.

Abstract: A video imager processor and two radio frequency transceivers are supported on a common support having a predetermined form factor, such as that of a Compact Flash card commonly utilized in mobile computers. Common digital processing circuitry is used for processing the baseband signal from the RF transceivers, making a highly integrated and compact arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for serving information data such as video data to one or more users, comprising: one or more storage medium units for storing data of said information data; one or more end devices for receipt of said information data by the user; managing means for managing distribution of said data to said end device, the managing means being capable of receiving demand data form said user and related to data selected by the user in the end device, and which managing means output distribution control data including channel information of the selected information data and routs information from the end device; and least one ATM switch for connecting the storage medium unit, the end device and the managing means, and for routing the data from the storage medium unit and the distribution control data from the managing means.

Abstract: A multimedia storage and control system for storing multimedia content includes a multimedia interface for receiving the multimedia content from a multimedia stream. The multimedia storage and control system further includes a personal computer. The personal computer is adapted for communicating with the multimedia interface and may be configured to perform operations such as selectively storing at least a portion of the multimedia content received from the multimedia interface in response to a storage request, and transmitting at least a portion of the multimedia content stored in the memory associated with the personal computer to the multimedia interface in response to a retrieval request.

Abstract: The integration of gateway services such as, but not limited to, one or none of Network Address Translation (NAT), firewalls, proxies, tunneling, and/or Virtual Private Networking (VPN) into RF cable devices such as, but not limited to, cable modems and/or set-top boxes advantageously provides additional capabilities for accessing the internet over an RF cable connection.